Navigating a Broken Vessel

Dave Harris sits down with Lennon Jones, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in OCD and anxiety, to tackle one of the most confusing intersections of mental health and religion: Scrupulosity.Have you ever found yourself paralyzed, wondering if a thought was a prompting from the Spirit or just an intrusive, obsessive doubt? This conversation dives deep into how Religious OCD manifests as an extreme intolerance of uncertainty, often turning faith into a cycle of fear rather than a source of peace.In this episode, we explore:Why OCD is less about perfectionism and more about a relentless cycle of intrusive thoughts and temporary relief through compulsions.Scrupulosity: How members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints might struggle with black-and-white thinking regarding commandments and repentance.Spirit vs. OCD: Learning to distinguish between the calm, encouraging nature of the Spirit and the negative, relentless, obsessive thoughts that come from some other source.The Reassurance Trap: Why telling someone to "just stop worrying" doesn't work and why seeking constant reassurance can actually feed the OCD cycle.Tools for Recovery: An introduction to Exposure Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as paths to reclaiming your mental and spiritual well-being.Living with OCD can feel like trying to have a meaningful conversation while a smoke alarm is blaring in the background. Join us as we discuss how to turn down the noise and find genuine peace.Connect with Navigating a Broken Vessel:Website: navigatingabrokenvessel.comSocials: @navigatingabrokenvesselEmail: [email protected]: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional healthcare or therapy.

Host Dave Harris shares a major personal breakthrough that has been a week in the making. What started as a return to therapy to tackle a food addiction turned into a life-altering revelation about how his brain actually works.Dave leans into his expertise in Artificial Intelligence to navigate this new territory, using AI to bridge the gap between a professional observation and a deeply personal understanding of neurodivergence.Inside the Breakthrough:The Reveal: After a three-year hiatus, Dave’s therapist drops a "lightbulb" observation: he likely fits the profile for AuDHD—a combination of ADHD and autism.AI as a Mirror: As an AI professional, Dave uses Gemini to decode the tug-of-war between his ADHD’s craving for novelty and his autistic need for routine.The Project Graveyard: A look at why Dave is "Mr. 80%," from unfinished sweaters and oil paintings to a double bass that’s currently more of a bedroom ornament than an instrument.A New Map: Understanding the analogy of using a map of London while in Tokyo—realizing he isn't a failed version of a "normal" person, but a perfectly functional version of a different kind of person."I spent years trying to use a map for London while I was trying to drive in Tokyo. Both are great cities, but the directions just don't work if you've got a map for the wrong city."Connect with Dave:Website: navigatingabrokenvessel.comFacebook/Instagram: @navigatingabrokenvesselEmail: [email protected] this episode resonated with you, check out the previous episode, "The Lazy Perfectionist," for more context on the "80%" struggle.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational and personal storytelling purposes only. Dave is not a medical professional. If you are exploring neurodivergence or mental health concerns, please consult with a qualified professional.

What happens to a marriage when the foundational beliefs of one spouse begin to shift? Following our conversation with Tifani Holt, we sit down with her husband, Kody Holt, to hear the other side of the story. In this episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, host Dave Harris explores the emotional and spiritual journey of a husband navigating his wife’s faith crisis within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Kody opens up about the moment he realized Tifani’s questions were moving beyond simple curiosity into a deep-seated crisis of faith. He shares the struggle of fighting his natural "fixer" instinct and how he learned to replace judgment with unconditional love.The "Toolbox" vs. the "Trash Can": Why Kody had to stop trying to "fix" Tifani’s doubts and start simply listening.A Stake President’s Profound Advice: The specific counsel Kody received during a temple recommend interview that sustained him through the darkest months.Parenting Through Transition: How the Holts navigated church attendance and spiritual education for their three children while holding different beliefs.Setting Boundaries with Love: The difficult conversations regarding lifestyle changes, new social circles, and maintaining the sanctity of their home.The Turning Point of Counseling: Why taking divorce "off the table" was the most critical step in their healing process."If I would have tried to control that situation, we would not be together today. She needed to go through this... and if I would have tried to control the situation, it would have pushed her away 100%." — Kody HoltKody’s story is a testament to the idea that a marriage can not only survive a faith transition but emerge stronger, more honest, and more deeply rooted in love than ever before.Our web site: https://www.navigatingabrokenvessel.comSocials:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/navigatingabrokenvesselInstagram: @navigatingabrokenvesselDisclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.

Dave Harris sits down with Tifani Holt for an intimate look at her deeply personal journey through a faith crisis.Growing up in a strict religious household in Southern Utah, Tifani eventually found herself at a crossroads, questioning the very foundations of her beliefs. She shares the raw reality of going down the rabbit hole, the social isolation that followed, and the strain it placed on her marriage and family life.Tifani’s story is not just about deconstruction, but about finding a personal connection with God that transcends organizational rules. Whether you are currently in the midst of your own faith transition, supporting a loved one, or simply looking for insight into the refiner's fire of spiritual growth, this conversation offers a grounded, empathetic perspective on:The Weight of Expectations: Navigating the shift from checking boxes to authentic belief.Marriage & Mixed Faith: How therapy and communication helped save a relationship on the brink of divorce.Finding Grace in the Grey: Learning to prioritize a personal relationship with Jesus Christ over cultural pressures.The Power of Empathy: Why being kind to those who are struggling is the most Christ-like response.Connect with the Show:Website: navigatingabrokenvessel.comEmail: [email protected]: @navigatingabrokenvessel

Dave Harris takes us back to 1995 to explore a peculiar personal challenge: the "wall" between public confidence and private connection.Dave recounts a trip from Logan, Utah, to an extended family reunion—the "Butt Reunion"—in Idaho. Despite driving two hours to get there and seeing his parents' car in the driveway, Dave found himself unable to walk into the backyard. Confronted by the prospect of one-on-one interactions with relatives he didn't know, he chose to turn around and drive all the way back home without ever saying hello.Key Themes in This Episode:Public vs. Private Anxiety: Dave discusses the irony of being perfectly comfortable speaking to a stadium of 100,000 people or appearing on live television, yet feeling paralyzed by the intimacy of a one-on-one conversation.The Mission Challenge: Hear about Dave’s time as a missionary in New Zealand, where the requirement to approach strangers ("GQing") triggered deep cycles of anxiety and depression.A Prophecy of Faith: Dave shares a powerful memory of a dinner with his Mission President, who offered a specific "prophecy" regarding Dave's future activity in the Church and the role of home teaching (now ministering).The Power of Workarounds: Now 30 years later, Dave reveals the practical strategies he uses to overcome his social walls, including the vital support of his wife, Shelly, and the importance of "just doing the first step".Spirit Over Mortal Body: A reflection on the purpose of life’s mental health challenges, suggesting that these struggles are a design to help our spirits learn to master our mortal bodies through the Atonement.Join Dave as he reflects on how vulnerability and persistence help us navigate our own "broken vessels" and find strength in our weaknesses.Social:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/navigatingabrokenvesselInstagram: @navigatingabrokenvesselDisclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.

In this poignant episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, host Dave Harris sits down with longtime friend Melissa Barney to explore the often-overlooked perspective of the person behind the struggle.Melissa shares her deeply personal journey as the spouse of Derek Barney, whose transformation from opioid addiction to becoming a professional therapist was featured in a previous episode. Melissa opens up about the isolation, fear, and sheer exhaustion of holding a family together while a loved one faces their darkest trials.In this episode, we discuss:The loneliness of being a caregiver and the feeling of being forgotten by the community during a crisis.Why self-care is vital—yet seemingly impossible—when you are juggling the safety of your children and the survival of your spouse.How a timely blessing from a Church leader and a commitment to constant prayer provided the strength to endure.The healing that comes from the Church’s Addiction Recovery Program and realizing you are never as alone as you feel.Choosing a proactive path of discipleship and compassion rather than succumbing to anger or blame.Melissa’s story is a testament to the refining power of trials and the incredible empathy that grows from surviving the fire. Whether you are currently in the middle of a trial or supporting someone who is, this conversation offers a grounded, honest look at finding hope on the other side.Connect with us:Website: navigatingabrokenvessel.comSocial Media: Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @NavigatingABrokenVesselEmail: Reach out to Dave at [email protected]: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.

In this episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, host Dave Harris takes listeners on a deep dive into his personal ADHD world and what he calls "The Lazy Perfectionist."Dave shares a story from his 6th grade days when he tried to woo a girl named "Sally" by telling her to "Shut up!" This funny and relatable anecdote sets the stage for a discussion on how perfectionism and a fear of failure can often lead to a mental paralysis that keeps us from taking the first step.Throughout the episode, Dave explores:The Planning Trap: How over-planning can feel like progress while actually preventing action.Mental Paralysis: The feeling of being physically unable to start a task, even when you know it's important.Breaking the Cycle: Dave's practical strategy of focusing on just the very first step, like sitting in a chair or opening a computer.The Power of Medication: How understanding ADHD and using appropriate tools can help manage symptoms like rumination and procrastination.Whether you struggle with ADHD yourself or just find yourself stuck in a cycle of planning without doing, this episode offers a humorous and insightful look at how to overcome the hurdles of your own mind.Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.

For Kristi—known to some of her friends as "Cute as a Button"—a sudden, massive seizure was the beginning of a life-altering medical odyssey.In this episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, Dave Harris sits down with his long-time friend, Kristi, to discuss the terrifying discovery of a golf ball-sized brain tumor that had likely been growing since birth. Kristi opens up about the missing months of her life, the grueling process of learning to walk and catch a ball again, and the heavy mental toll of being "stuck in her head" while recovering at home.It’s a story of survival, but more importantly, it’s a story of community. From envelopes of cash to a town-wide benefit dinner, Kristi shares how a "broken vessel" moment revealed the incredible strength of the people around her—and the new perspective she’s found while watching the sunrise over the Idaho mountains.Join the conversation at www.navigatingabrokenvessel.comDisclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.

"I was the kid who got bullied, and I was the kid who did the bullying."In this episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, Dave Harris opens up about the messy, complicated reality of middle school social dynamics. From the "Indian burns" at the kindergarten crosswalk to the lonely shifts as a junior high "hall monitor," Dave explores the isolation of being the "nerdy" kid and the misguided attempts to find "coolness" by literally tearing down chain-link fences and acting out.But this isn't just a story of being a victim. With refreshing candor, Dave reflects on the guilt he still carries 40 years later for the times he was the one causing pain to others.In this episode, we discuss:The Kindergarten "Wrong Bus" Incident: A lesson in being book-smart vs. street-smart.The Dual Perspective: What it feels like to be on both sides of the bullying cycle.The Power of One Friend: How meeting Rowdy changed the trajectory of Dave's life.Scriptural Strength: Finding perspective in Doctrine & Covenants 122 and the trials of Joseph Smith in Liberty Jail.The Path to Peace: Why returning kindness is the ultimate way to navigate a broken vessel.Whether you are currently feeling the weight of being mistreated or looking back on your own past mistakes, this episode offers a message of hope: It gets better, and there is always a "Rowdy" out there for you.Connect with us:Email: [email protected]: @navigatingabrokenvessel on Facebook and InstagramSubscribe: Don't miss an episode—hit the follow button on Spotify!

In this deeply personal and moving episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, host Dave Harris sits down with his sister-in-law, Ashley Harris, to explore a journey of sudden joy followed by unimaginable trial.Ashley shares the whirlwind story of meeting and marrying Dave’s brother, Ken—a man known for his quick wit and infectious humor. Their "blended" life was a beautiful chaos of nine children and a 16-passenger van with a very unique license plate. However, their happiness was soon met with a series of grueling health crises. While Ashley battled a life-threatening pregnancy, Ken was fighting a silent, worsening battle with ulcerative colitis.In this episode, we discuss:The "Rabbits" Van: The humor and lightheartedness that defined Ken and Ashley’s relationship, even in the middle of a hectic household.A Season of Suffering: The physical and emotional toll of simultaneous medical emergencies, leading up to the birth of their son, "Giblets," on Thanksgiving.The Chinese Farmer Parable: A profound story Ken shared from his hospital bed that reframes how we view "good" and "bad" events in our lives.The Power of Proactive Service: Ashley reflects on the friends and neighbors who didn't just ask "what can I do?" but stepped in to carry her through the darkest days of grief.Refinement Through Fire: How Ashley’s experience with loss has shaped her new path toward becoming a marriage and family therapist.Join us for a conversation about the exquisite pain of loss and the exquisite joy that eventually follows. This episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the strength found in the communities that surround us when our vessels feel most broken.Resources mentioned in the episode:⁠The Parable of the Chinese Farmer⁠⁠The Parable of the Blind Men and the Elephant⁠Connect with us:Website: ⁠navigatingabrokenvessel.com⁠Facebook/Instagram: @NavigatingABrokenVesselEmail: [email protected]: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.

In this deeply personal episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, Dave opens up about a staggering seven-year stretch that has fundamentally altered his family’s landscape. From the sudden loss of his father in a freak accident to the passing of two brothers and the life-altering injuries of another, Dave reflects on a series of tragedies that would leave anyone asking, "Who’s next?"But this isn't just a story of loss—it’s a roadmap for survival. Dave shares the specific mental health tools and spiritual foundations that keep him from slipping into the pit of clinical depression and anxiety.In this episode, we discuss:The Story of the Ladder: A tribute to Dave’s father and the unexpected nature of grief.Family Dynamics: Remembering Ken’s humor and Brian’s legacy.The "Who’s Next?" Syndrome: How to handle the hyper-vigilance and fear that come after multiple family tragedies.The Crumpled Paper Technique: A practical visualization tool Dave uses to stop intrusive, negative thoughts in their tracks.The Triumph of Showing Up: Why recording this very episode is a victory over ADHD and depression.Whether you are walking through your own "broken vessel" moment or supporting someone who is, this episode offers a candid look at how faith, thought control, and celebrating small wins can help you navigate the heaviest of trials.Connect with us:Website: navigatingabrokenvessel.comFacebook/Instagram: @navigatingabrokenvesselEmail: [email protected]: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

In this episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, host Dave Harris sits down with Derek Barney, a Licensed Professional Clinical Mental Health Counselor and owner of A Way Back Counseling.Derek opens up about his powerful personal journey, from battling a severe pain pill addiction and a life-altering arrest to finding healing through the support of others. Now a professional counselor, he shares his "three pillars" approach to wellness—physical, mental, and spiritual—and offers compassionate advice for those struggling with depression, ADHD, and the stigma of seeking help.The Turning Point: Derek discusses how an injury led to addiction and how a supportive therapist helped him reclaim his life.The Three Pillars: Why nourishing your physical, mental, and spiritual health is essential for alignment.Overcoming Depression: Practical first steps for those finding it hard to get out of bed, including the power of routine and "baby steps".Learn About Bowie: How Derek’s therapy dog-in-training provides emotional support and comfort to clients.A Way Back Counseling: Learn about Derek’s clinic in Washington, Utah, and their mission to provide affordable, expert therapy.Whether you are navigating your own "broken vessel" or supporting a loved one, this episode serves as a reminder that small successes are worth celebrating and that nobody has to walk the path to recovery alone.Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.

Have you ever felt the crushing weight of unmet expectations? In this episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, host Dave Harris dives deep into a phrase that has echoed throughout his life since seventh grade: "Capable of doing better".Dave shares a vulnerable and honest look at his journey from being a "study hall" regular in elementary school to struggling with a 1.87 GPA in high school. He reflects on the psychological toll of perfectionism and how setting the bar at "perfect" can lead to a cycle of perpetual disappointment.The Mid-Term Trauma: How four simple words from a teacher in 1990 became a lifelong internal critic.The "Study Hall" Cycle: Memories of Mr. Oldoerp and the fear of falling short in the fourth grade.The Perfectionist’s Trap: A look at Dave’s career in live television and the stress of "post-mortem" meetings where anything less than flawless was a failure.Finding the "Game": How Dave learned to navigate higher education—earning multiple degrees by turning the challenge into a competition with himself rather than a quest for perfection.Be Ye Therefore Perfect... Eventually: A reflection on Elder Jeffrey R. Holland’s 2017 talk and learning to embrace the "eventually" in personal growth.Dave offers practical, grounded advice for anyone struggling to get out of bed or feeling "stuck" in their career or mental health journey. Learn why celebrating minuscule successes and "turning off the brain" to let the body take over can be the first step toward becoming unstuck."If we set the bar at perfection, we will always be disappointed because every single one of us is capable of doing better." — Dave HarrisListen now to reframe your failures and find peace in the pursuit of "better."Link to talk by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland:Be Ye Therefore Perfect -- EventuallyConnect with the Show:Our web site: https://www.navigatingabrokenvessel.comListen to Navigating a Broken VesselYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingABrokenVesselApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-a-broken-vessel/id1871965350Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AhjZOhsDA97bJkUjLUuI9Amazon/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8044ee2c-27fd-49af-b3e4-deac81905161/navigating-a-broken-vesseliHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-navigating-a-broken-vessel-319371772/Social:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/navigatingabrokenvesselInstagram: @navigatingabrokenvesselDisclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.

In this episode of Navigating a Broken Vessel, host Dave Harris is joined by a very special guest: his wife, Shelly. Together, they pull back the curtain on their 26-year journey, starting with the (highly debated) story of how they first met at an Institute of Religion "Dating and Courtship" class.The conversation dives deep into the realities of maintaining a marriage while managing mental health challenges. Shelly shares her perspective on the first decade of their marriage—before Dave’s ADHD diagnosis—and how his cycle of "losing interest" in projects and careers created a pattern of frequent moves and professional shifts.In this episode, Dave and Shelly discuss:The Power of Love Languages: How Shelly learned to support Dave through depressive episodes using physical touch and acts of service.The "Broken Vessel" Mindset: Dave’s honest reflection on feeling "broken" by his ADHD diagnosis and how he reframed it as a growth process.The Academic Grind: The grueling story of Dave’s 300-mile commute to finish his PhD in just four years.Spiritual Strength: Finding meaning in the scripture Ether 12:27 and the idea of turning weaknesses into strengths.Join us for a candid, witty, and heartwarming look at how two people can navigate the choppy waters of life and mental health to build a stronger vessel together.Our web site: https://www.navigatingabrokenvessel.comListen to Navigating a Broken Vessel:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingABrokenVesselApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-a-broken-vessel/id1871965350Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3AhjZOhsDA97bJkUjLUuI9Amazon/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8044ee2c-27fd-49af-b3e4-deac81905161/navigating-a-broken-vesseliHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-navigating-a-broken-vessel-319371772/Social:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/navigatingabrokenvesselInstagram: @navigatingabrokenvesselDisclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.

Links to references in the episode:The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/Ether 12:27 (Book of Mormon scripture): https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/scriptures/bofm/ether/12?lang=eng&id=p27#p27 Elder Jeffrey R. Holland's talk titled "Like a Broken Vessel": https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2013/10/like-a-broken-vessel?lang=engWelcome to the maiden voyage of Navigating a Broken Vessel. In this introductory episode, host Dave Harris opens up about his lifelong journey with mental health, including his experiences with Major Depressive Disorder, ADHD, and anxiety.Dave explores the complex intersection of faith and mental wellness, specifically within the context of being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He shares a pivotal story from his mission in New Zealand, where he first realized that "healing" might not mean the total removal of a struggle, but rather learning how to sail through the storm.What to Expect from This SeriesNavigating a Broken Vessel isn't about finding a "cure" or waiting for clear skies. It is a candid, authentic look at:Real stories of struggle and success.Interviews with others to provide insights.Practical ways to "progress toward the port of your choice" even when your vessel feels like it's taking on water.Join the conversation! If you've ever felt like you're sailing a "broken vessel," you aren't alone. Subscribe to stay updated on future episodes.Listen to Navigating a Broken Vessel:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NavigatingABrokenVesselApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/navigating-a-broken-vessel/id1871965350Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1IU4OA2Cu0vPcJNUUYIxAt?si=jstc--6LSDyviJsW9OFxpwAmazon/Audible: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/8044ee2c-27fd-49af-b3e4-deac81905161/navigating-a-broken-vesseliHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-navigating-a-broken-vessel-319371772/Disclaimer: I am not a mental health professional, and this should not be taken as any kind of medical advice. If you need assistance, I highly recommend working with mental health professionals. I use many myself.